Decadent Chocolate Bread Recipe – Ultra Moist, Rich & Easy to Make
There’s something magical about a slice of rich, moist chocolate bread. It’s not quite cake, not quite brownies, and definitely not your average quick bread. This Decadent Chocolate Bread is deep, fudgy, tender, and packed with chocolate chips in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery and keeps everyone sneaking back for “just one more slice.”
As a food writer, I’ve tested a lot of chocolate recipes—but this one hits that perfect balance between indulgent and simple. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat with coffee, this loaf never disappoints.
Let’s dive in.
Why I Love This Recipe
This chocolate bread is one of those dependable, no-fail recipes you’ll come back to again and again. Here’s why:
- ✔ Ultra moist texture thanks to buttermilk and oil
- ✔ Deep chocolate flavor from cocoa powder and chocolate chips
- ✔ Easy, no-mixer-required recipe
- ✔ Customizable with nuts or extra mix-ins
- ✔ Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert
If you love rich chocolate desserts like The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made a Lot), this bread will absolutely win you over.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
(Or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar, let sit 5 minutes) - ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semisweet or dark)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts)
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- No Buttermilk? The milk + vinegar substitute works beautifully.
- Oil vs. Butter: Oil creates a softer, more tender crumb. Butter adds richness. Both are great.
- Make It Extra Fudgy: Add an extra ¼ cup chocolate chips.
- Turn It Into Banana Chocolate Bread: Add one mashed ripe banana for a twist inspired by This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
Sifting ensures a smooth, lump-free batter.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Buttermilk
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
Stir gently until just combined.
⚠️ Do not overmix. Overmixing develops gluten and can make the bread tough instead of tender.
5. Fold in the Add-Ins
Gently fold in:
- Chocolate chips
- Chopped nuts (if using)
Reserve a few chocolate chips to sprinkle on top for a bakery-style finish.
6. Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Bread
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
- Don’t skip sifting the cocoa powder—it prevents dry clumps.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes.
- Let it cool fully before slicing for clean, neat cuts.
For serious chocolate lovers, serve it with a spoonful of This Brownie Batter Dip Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert for Instant Chocolate Cravings on the side. Over-the-top? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This chocolate bread is incredibly versatile:
- Warm slice with salted butter
- Spread with cream cheese
- Toast lightly and top with whipped cream
- Serve with vanilla ice cream
- Pair with coffee or cold milk
Hosting? Serve slices alongside These Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Are My Favorite Winter Treat to Share and Savorfor a full chocolate dessert spread.
For an easy no-bake dessert table addition, add This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie Is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
Based on 10 slices per loaf. Values vary depending on add-ins.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator:
Keeps fresh up to 1 week.
Freezer:
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Pro tip: Slice before freezing so you can grab single portions anytime.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If this chocolate bread is your vibe, try these next:
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made a Lot)
- This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas
- This Brownie Batter Dip Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert for Instant Chocolate Cravings
- These Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Are My Favorite Winter Treat to Share and Savor
- This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie Is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack
Final Thoughts
This Decadent Chocolate Bread is rich, moist, and completely irresistible. It’s simple enough for a weeknight bake but indulgent enough to serve at gatherings. Whether you’re a lifelong chocolate lover or just need a reliable sweet treat in your rotation, this recipe delivers every single time.
If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment, share your twist, or tag us with your creation.
Happy baking! 🍫
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